Los Angeles Urged to Join Tobacco Lawsuit

City Atty. James K. Hahn and Councilman Marvin Braude on Tuesday called on the city of Los Angeles to join a statewide lawsuit against America’s biggest tobacco companies and two of the industry’s trade associations alleging that the firms have engaged in deceptive and improper business practices, including misleading and inaccurate advertising.

Calling cigarette ads aimed at children “an insidious evil stalking our future,” Hahn urged the council to join the suit filed in September by the city and county of San Francisco and seek a court order banning such advertising in California.

If the City Council approves Braude’s motion Tuesday, Los Angeles would join the California district of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the California Medical Assn. and state chapters of the American Heart Assn. and the American Cancer Society as well as the city of San Jose and the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Shasta.